WENDY DARKE
CEO & FOUNDER

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DR WENDY DARKE has a PhD in Marine Science, from the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences and James Cook University, Australia (1991), and a BSc Joint Honours Degree in Geology and Zoology, from the University of Bristol (1986). Following on from her 25-year career at the BBC Natural History Unit (NHU), which included 4 years as Head of the NHU, (2012-2016), Wendy founded True To Nature (TTN), an independent production company, based in Bristol, specialising in innovative, premium nature, animal character led series, premium adventure travel, children’s and specialist factual productions. Since launching TTN Wendy and her team have secured over 30 commissions, and made over 240 programmes, including PREDATORS narrated by TOM HARDY, 5 X 60’ for Sky Nature and Netflix, released in Winter 2022; WHALE WITH STEVE BACKSHALL, 4 x 60’ for Sky Nature due to premiere in Winter 2023, following on from the success of SHARK WITH STEVE BACKSHALL, 4 X 60’, and a 10 X 10’ SHARKS UP CLOSE for Sky Kids which were both showcased at COP 26 in 2021 in the IMAX theatre; the ‘Gangs of’ brand has included GANGS OF LEMUR ISLAND, 5 X 60’, which premiered in the UK on Sky Nature and was produced for Blue Ant Media, Love Nature, Smithsonian Networks and Arte, and GANGS OF BABOON FALLS, 5 X 60’, for Sky Nature and distributed by Sky Studios and NBCU. TTN have also produced 20 X 60’ programmes to build the EXPEDITION WITH STEVE BACKSHALL brand including: EXPEDITION WITH STEVE BACKSHALL SERIES I, 10 X 60’, for UKTV Dave and PBS, UNDISCOVERED WORLDS, 4 X 60’, for BBC Two, and EXPEDITION WITH STEVE BACKSHALL SERIES II, 6 X 60’, for UKTV Dave and distributed by Fremantle. And over 100 children’s programmes including the recently announced OZT GOES WILD IN BRITAIN, 5 X 22’, following on from the success of ONE ZOO THREE SERIES I and II, both 26 X 22’, for CBBC, 3 series of DREAMFLIGHT, all 20 X 5’, 12 episodes of which are available on Sky Kids’ brand new You Tube channel, and GARDEN TALES, a 26 X 7’ series for CBeebies. Specialist factual titles include LIVING VOLCANOES, 1 X 60’, a co-production between ZDFE, PBS, WNET Thirteen, Nature, ZDF and ARTE, and premiered in the UK on Sky Nature. Prior to this, as Head of the BBC NHU, Wendy was responsible for ground-breaking award-winning titles such as: BAFTA winning Big Blue Live (2015), double BAFTA winning Deadly 60 with Steve Backshall; Life Story (2014); Africa (2013), and multiple trilogies such as Wild Japan (2016); Wild New Zealand (2016), Wild Patagonia (2016) and the multi-award winning Planet Earth II (2016) & Blue Planet II (2017).

STEVE WILLIAMSON
HR & TALENT MANAGER

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Steve is an HR Professional, Chartered Member of the CIPD, with a Level 7 Diploma in HR Management. He joined TTN in early 2022, and for the 7 years prior to this had been working for a voluntary adoption agency, as Head of HR, Facilities and Administration. Steve has lots of experience in the charity sector, mainly within HR & Facilities management. He loves sport and challenging himself. He regularly runs marathons and takes part in Triathlons.

ROWAN MUSGRAVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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Rowan Musgrave is an award-winning expedition and wildlife filmmaker. He has two decades of experience across a broad range of natural history content ranging from kids’ series DEADLY 60 (BBC), to blue-chip character-led series PREDATORS narrated by TOM HARDY (NETFLIX, SKY) and adventure format EXPEDITION with STEVE BACKSHALL (DAVE). Rowan has regularly worked alongside Wendy at True to Nature for the last 7 years, and most recently Series Produced SHARK with STEVE BACKSHALL (SKY, NBCU). Previous to this, Rowan spent 14 years at the BBC Natural History Unit, where he produced ground-breaking documentaries such as: YELLOWSTONE: COLDEST WINTER TO BLAZING SUMMER (BBC, PBS). LOST LAND OF THE TIGER (BBC) and THE DARK, NATURE’S NIGHTTIME WORLD (BBC). Rowan has a passion for conservation filmmaking and highlighting big issues through engaging storytelling. In 2018 he and produced the GRIERSON nominated RED APE (BBC, DISCOVERY).

IMMIE LAPSLEY
ASSISTANT TO THE CEO

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Immie, a recent graduate in Media Production and Journalism from the University of the West of England, is deeply passionate about storytelling and the environment. Her documentary on the therapeutic benefits of foraging sparked her interest in natural history programming and using media for positive change. With a sharp eye for captivating moments, Immie is committed to creating visually engaging content that fosters a deeper connection with nature. In her current role, she has actively supported production teams both on location and in the office. Now, she is eager to step up to the role of a shooting researcher.

KATIE HALL
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE

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Katie has delivered and managed multiple, complex and ambitious specialist factual series including the critically acclaimed BAFTA and Emmy award winning series ‘Blue Planet II’. She has a broad range of experience managing a large slate of blue-chip natural history productions for both the BBC and Netflix. Katie has over 20 years international filming experience with specialist knowledge of health and safety and has worked across a variety of genres including arts, observational documentary, popular factual entertainment and natural history.

ANTHONY ALDERSLEY
PRODUCTION ACCOUNTANT

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Anthony has had the opportunity to work in the Finance Department on shows of all shapes and sizes for Netflix, Nat Geo, Apple and all major UK broadcasters. He enjoys being able to support the busy Production Teams with managing and forecasting budgets, as well as reporting for the Senior Management Team and True To Nature’s busy Development Team. Being involved in productions from inception through to delivery and ensuring accurate and well-managed finances is something that Anthony takes pride in. As well as being a Production Accountant, Anthony has a passion for composing music for Film & Television and was nominated for the PRS ‘Best Newcomer’ Award as well as having credits on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Smithsonian Network.

NORMAN CLARKE
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

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Norman Clarke has worked in the TV industry for some 30 years to date and has built up a wealth of senior finance management experience in the industry. He has worked as a production accountant in the early years on documentaries, reality shows, light entertainment comedy shows etc…. but over the past 15 years has focused more on management accounting and financially managing production companies. He has previously worked for Avalon TV Ltd, Mammoth Screen Ltd, The Forge Entertainment, New Pictures Ltd, Sony Pictures, Nat Geo, Greenbird Media Ltd to name but a few. He also has a proven track record for turning companies around and improving finance systems to help companies improve performance.

NICK JONES
GRAPHICS

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Award winning filmmaker, drone pilot and commercial diver, Nick has spent well over a thousand hours underwater with sharks and other marine life. He has has worked on programmes for BBC, Sky, Amazon, Channel 4 and many more. He has a broad range of experience in challenging environments around the world, is trained in sea survival and as a diver medic. Nick also utilises an eye for composition and colour in graphic design and post production.

Production & Development

 

MOLLY HACKETT
RESEARCHER

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With a background in Zoology and having completed the prestigious Wildlife Filmmaking MA at the University of the West of England, she has worked across multiple companies, channels, and Natural History formats, including presenter-led, magazine, blue-chip, and most recently children’s for Deadly Predators with Steve Backshall. Her student film about the U.S. tiger trade, The Housecats, was featured in numerous film festivals worldwide and won several awards.

LAURENCE AMMAH
EDIT ASSISTANT

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Media production was not Laurence’s first choice for a career but it turned out to be the best decision he has made. Before Laurence fell in the love with post production he wanted to play pro basketball but then realised it is near impossible because of where he lived. He then decided to try media in college since he did not know what career path he was going to take. First project he worked on he found his passion for editing and ever since then he has been fighting for a position in the media industry.

BETH CULLEN
PRODUCTION MANAGER

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Beth completed a Film and Media studies degree in Sheffield where she also started working for Sheffield DocFest as a Stage Manager. She moved to London to pursue a career in production management and now has over 10 year’s experience working across a diverse range of genres including Sport, Entertainment, Arts and Current Affairs at various independent production companies, Sky Studios and BBC Studios. In need of a change and to get nearer to the countryside, she decided to move to Bristol in 2019 to work in the Natural History Unit where she has worked across several Landmark ‘blue chip’ productions. With a passion for travel and the natural world Beth loves working in Natural History and is excited to have recently joined True To Nature! p>

BENEDICT RICKARDS
SHOOTING RESEARCHER

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With a background in Zoology and expeditions, Benedict has travelled through some of the most remote areas on the planet. He is no stranger to working in unexplored jungles or seemingly endless Savannahs. Having worked on shows such as Expedition with Steve Backshall and Gangs of Baboon Falls, Benedict is now our Shooting Researcher on the hit CBBC series, One Zoo Three.

MOLLY MCNAMARA-LANGTON
SHOOTING RESEARCHER

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With an academic background in Conservation and Geography, Molly has worked across a range of genres delivering for National Geographic Channel including blue-chip Natural History series and specialist factual documentaries. She has worked with conservation charities across the world, from reintroducing Water Voles in the London borough where she grew up, to caring for Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos Islands.

NATALIE SMYTH
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

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Nat studied Film at the University of Kent and kicked off her TV career in Post-Production. Quickly discovering that she had a penchant for logistics she diverted down the Production Management route and became a PMA on The Watches (BBC). Here she found her passion for the natural world. She has worked across a variety of genres as a Coordinator and enjoys the rare opportunity to get on location. After living in Australia and New Zealand for the past 4 years Nat has recently returned to Bristol and True to Nature!

JOHN MILLER
SERIES PRODUCER

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Fascinated by the world of television and cinema, John Miller started making home movies at the age of 10. He has worked extensively directing, producing and writing for film and television for over 30 years, including a number of critically acclaimed films and award winning television series. Miller’s credits include Natural History, Drama and Factual Entertainment across the BBC and independent channels. Examples of his work include the critically acclaimed BAFTA winning Deadly 60 series for the BBC and the hugely successful drama series Andy’s Adventures for the Natural History Unit. Leaving the security of the BBC, John set up Sugar House Pictures to further pursue his passion for storytelling . It was with Sugar House that he co wrote and directed the feature film Golden Years. The film featured an ensemble cast of the best of British actors and had a worldwide theatrical release. Approaching his work from his movie making background, Miller brings an individual artistic flair and strong narrative edge to the projects he works on: ‘From movie making to natural history, I’m passionate about storytelling and it’s at the heart of everything I do. Building strong, open working relationships and establishing a positive, creative environment has allowed me to maximize the potential of the teams around me. This ensures every project delivered is the very best it can be.’

RUTH DAVIES
PRODUCER DIRECTOR

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Producer, director, journalist, camerawoman and mum-of-two. For more than two decades, Ruth has produced prime-time shows for the world’s biggest broadcasters, including BBC, NATGEO, DISNEY+ and APPLE TV+. Recent adventures have taken her to Kenya, Hawaii and Antarctica - on a mission to highlight conservation science, through powerful storytelling and bluechip cinematography. With two young daughters, Ruth is passionate about inspiring the next generation of nature-lovers. She now brings her humour, energy and self-shooting skills to CBBC’s flagship wildlife show: One, Zoo, Three.

LYNNE YOULE
PRODUCTION MANAGER

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Lynne enjoyed a long and varied career at the BBC before joining True to Nature in 2018. She is a dedicated and highly experienced Production Manager who has worked in many genres including Radio, Daytime, Features, Documentaries, Natural History, Live and Childrens. She takes pride in working very closely with each production team to deliver high quality programmes. Credits include Countryfile, Coast, natural history series Mountain: Life at the Extreme, Big Blue UK and Tribes, Predators and Me with Gordon Buchanan. More recently Expedition with Steve Backshall and CBBC series One Zoo Three.

AXEL JUSSERAND
EDIT ASSISTANT

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Having been born in and grown up in France, Axel started his editing career in 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as an in-house Editor and Edit Assistant where he had the opportunity to work on a variety of content for both private agencies and government entities. After spending 3 years there he decided to relocate in the United Kingdom in 2019 in order to get experience of working in HETV,factual and Natural History programming as this is where his passion lies.

GRACE HALL-DALEY
ARCHIVE RESEARCHER

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Grace grew up surrounded by the Rutland countryside which sparked her love for wildlife, and anything involved with being outdoors. Graduating last year, from Cambridge School of Creative Industries with a degree in TV and Film Production, she recently made the move to Bristol. She is thrilled to be working at True to Nature exploring her curiosity into the natural world and pursuing her passion for great television.

SHIRIN GHADIALI
PROD-MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

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Shirin recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Geography and is thrilled to start her career in television at True to Nature. During her time here, she has worked as a Production Assistant on ‘OZT Goes Wild in Britain’ and the upcoming show ‘Whales with Steve Backshall’. She is excited to expand her knowledge of the industry and take on all the new challenges that come her way. In her spare time Shirin loves playing football and cricket and is an avid Manchester United Fan!

JO ARMSTRONG-DAVIS
PRODUCTION MANAGER

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Jo studied Interactive Media and Radio Production at Bournemouth University before moving to Bristol and taking a sideways leap into TV Production Management at the BBC. During her 10 years there, she gained a wealth of experience across a wide range of productions, including the Watches, Antiques Roadshow, Children’s and several Natural History series. Following this, she moved to become a Production Manager on a high end project for Netflix at Wild Space Productions, before joining True to Nature in 2022, with most recent credits being for OZT Goes Wild in Britain and Predator v Prey. Jo has a passion for the outdoors and nature. She loves gardening for wildlife, outdoor walks, runs and cycles with her family, and is currently walking the South West Coast Path… just a bit at a time!

MATT DUMBRILL
KTP ENGINEER

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Matt studied aerospace engineering at UWE and has experience in the aerospace industry as a Manufacturing Engineer producing parts for the Lynx & Merlin helicopters. He volunteered on an electric railway opened in 1883, enjoys developing his owns planes and drones and goes snorkelling, paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking whenever the opportunity presents itself. Currently Matt is working with TTN as part of a Knowledge Transfer Programme with UWE developing a novel concept.

HOLLY ASCHERL
ASSISTANT PRODUCER

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Holly has worked in a wide range of genres including factual entertainment and documentaries. She started her television career at Voltage TV in London, but missed the non-polluted air of Bristol, and is excited to explore a different side of the television industry.

DAN VINER
ASSISTANT PRODUCER

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An experienced AP, researcher, camera operator and drone pilot, Dan has been working in the industry since 2017 and has worked across a wide variety of well-loved factual programming including Countryfile (BBC) and Richard Hammond’s Workshop (Discovery). With a background in History and a strong technical skillset, Dan has a keen eye for a compelling narrative, and is passionate about telling stories which can inspire and inform audiences of all ages.

GEORGIA SHARMAN
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

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Born in Australia, Georgia moved to Bristol in 2017 and began working in the broadcast industry in 2019. Georgia began as a Runner and soon progressed to Production Coordinator, with experience in coordinating logistically complicated and remote international shoots in locations such as Laos, Guyana, Mexico, Tanzania and across the Andes in South America. Georgia has worked from the beginning to end of productions, with experience in delivering post-production paperwork for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Sky Nature.

KATIE DUDDY
PROD MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

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Katie began her career as a junior researcher at The Guardian newspaper. This was closely followed by her first credit on the BBC True North Series as a writer and producer for ‘Face The Music.’ Subsequently, she took on more organisational roles such as working as the Volunteer Co-ordinator for Sheffield Documentary Festival. Katie took on the role of Operations Manager and Co-ordinator at Esprit Film and TV, organising the kit and carnets for some of the largest productions in the world, from Frozen Planet and Blue Planet Live to One Strange Rock. Before coming to True To Nature Katie had been working for BBC NI for the last three years as a PMA working on a wide range of shows from music to politics.

ROSIE LEWIS
RESEARCHER

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Rosie moved to Bristol in 2018 to begin her career at Silverback Films, working across blue-chip productions such as The Mating Game and Perfect Planet. Rosie started working at True to Nature in early 2020 and has worked in development, on the first series of Dreamflight, and as Series Researcher on Predators. She is now working on Whale with Steve Backshall.

CHLOE HOUSTON-PRINCE
PROD-MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

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Chloe graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in Media and Cultural Production. She began her career as a Digital Asset Logger before progressing to an Office and Kit Hire Assistant. Chloe has a passion for nature photography and videography so loves being a part of a company that connects people to nature.

CHRISTINA NUTTER
EDIT PRODUCER

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Christina Nutter is a Bafta-nominated, RTS Award-winning Series Producer, Producer/Director and Edit Producer with over 20 years of experience. Half Swedish, half English and born in Iran, she was brought up surrounded by passionate storytellers. Subsequently, she has always been drawn to strong narratives and behaviour, working across several genres from natural history to specialist factual with her films taking her across the globe from remote parts of Kenya to the very heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. For her, being able to weave words, picture and sound together in order to tell a story is an ongoing privilege and pleasure.

JEN JONES
ASSISTANT PRODUCER

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Over the last decade Jen has made shows for the leading broadcasters both sides of the Atlantic including Netflix, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, PBS and the BBC. Working for both the BBC NHU and the independent sector she has excelled in multiple formats from landmark blue chip, presenter led, children’s to VFX and ‘Live’ natural history programming.

ALESSANDRO RUOCCO
EDIT ASSISTANT

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After completing a degree in TV production, Alex went on to work in corporate video for several years, before deciding to make the jump over to Documentary TV. He wanted to work on bigger and more interesting projects that he is passionate about. His career in TV started when working as a Camera Assistant on a BBC documentary about the Bronze Age with Mike Dilger and then as a Camera Assistant/DIT on Inside the Ambulance. Since then, he has decided to work in post-production, but still enjoys getting out with his camera. He’s worked as an Edit Assistant on a variety of productions at the BBC NHU, created development sizzle tapes at Plimsoll Productions and worked with BBC Cardiff’s digital team as a Junior Editor. Alex has now joined True to Nature as an Edit Assistant working on One Zoo Three.

EMMA BAKER
JUNIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

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Having graduated with a degree in TV Production in 2014, Emma has spent the last 6 years working as a Producer at a creative agency, producing everything from TV commercials to music videos. Having taken some time out to travel the world, she is now excited to be getting back to her roots into the world of broadcast. Happiest when exploring and spotting wildlife (the Canadian Rockies being one of her favourite places to explore!) she is excited to be working on content that encompasses her own passions.

BEN MORRIS-FRENCH
ASSISTANT PRODUCER

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In Chalfont St Giles, born and raised, the wilds of Bucks was where he spent most of his days. Ben is an Assistant Producer with experience in tea drinking and a range of wildlife programming including blue-chip and presenter-led. When not at work, he enjoys time watching wildlife whilst attempting golf, having a swim, and digging into the latest drama boxsets.

RORY YEUNG
EDIT ASSISTANT

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Following a brief stint as a Ski Instructor, Rory trained in Geophysics at the University of Southampton, before finding himself doing data management for the film production company & sales agent, Carnaby International. He then spent a few years working in corporate video and running on drama productions, including BBC’s Small Axe, before completing an MA in Science & Natural History Production at the National Film and Television School. After graduating, Rory edit assisted for Oxford Scientific Films, Mongoose Films before taking a break to work for the NHS in Intensive Care during the COVID pandemic. He has since worked for Blast Films and BBC Science, most notably on Dinosaurs: The Final Day with David Attenbourgh. Outside of work Rory enjoys photography, outdoor sports and is currently teaching himself software development.

ISABEL COPLEY
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

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Born in Colombia with dual nationality, Isabel graduated in Digital Film Production and began her career as a Sound Assistant working in HETV Drama in London. She naturally progressed into Production Management and moved to Bristol with a diverse range of credits including Sex Education, Poldark, Marcella, and Mc Mafia. Undoubtedly her passion lies in the natural world and in the past two years she landed roles working on challenging multi location shoots for the BBC on the Watches, and now One Zoo Three.

LUCY MURPHY
RESEARCHER

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Lucy’s passion for the natural world - particularly sharks! - led her to study Zoology and move to Bristol to complete a Masters in Conservation. This enabled her to begin her career in natural history television working at Plimsoll Productions across multiple series such as Big Beasts, A Real Bug's Life and work alongside the Development team. Lucy is really excited to be join the True to Nature team alongside getting to see and appreciate all the natural world has to offer!

ANEESA MAGSON HABAIK
ASSISTANT PRODUCER

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Aneesa is a storyteller who’s just come off the BBC’s rigorous AP Accelerator training programme. She’s obsessed with finding and telling untold stories and revealing unlikely heroes through brave storytelling methods, and she’s delighted to be doing this with True To Nature! With North African roots, she’s most at home in a desert, but she’s got fire in her belly to make inspiring and enlightening films that represent every part of our formidable planet and beyond.